Steele Auto Group has become the third Volvo Cars dealership in Canada to embrace the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The company just opened the new Volvo Cars Halifax, moving from its former location to a new one with a state-of-the-art showroom and expanded footprint.
The first Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience (VRSE) in North America opened in July 2023 at a Dilawri Automotive Group dealership in Richmond, B.C., followed quickly with a second in Brossard, Qué., by the Park Avenue Group.
“We recognize that our success is linked to the well-being of the communities we serve and the environment we all share,” said Kim Day, President and COO at Steele Auto Group, in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “We understand that our responsibility goes beyond delivering exceptional products and services.”
Day added that it extends to how they impact the world around them. “Our approach to business responsibility and sustainability is not just a strategy, it is a commitment to making a positive difference today and for future generations.”
The dealership consists of 1,950 square metres of total floor area. The showroom building envelope is constructed with an engineered daylight diffusing sealed glazing unit named Solera, which offers exceptional insulation value. It also creates naturally lit interior spaces that allow controlled lighting levels to be adjusted without creating additional glare in the building.
The upgraded insulation value of this system also allows better temperature control of the showroom volume, making the space more comfortable for customers and staff alike.
The overall site is equipped with several electric vehicle chargers, including a publicly available DC fast charger, which complements the growing Volvo EV rollout.
Exterior enhancements include a customer parking area near the showroom that consists of permeable pavers, which aid in stormwater management, and a highly visible green wall on the service drive through the exterior, emphasizing Volvo’s commitment to an environmentally sustainable future.
Energy efficient LED lighting has been used both on the site and throughout the building, showroom, service area, and office spaces. Occupancy sensors and thermostatic controls make this building comfortable and well lit.
The rooftop of the dealership is completed with a full array of solar panels that will collect and distribute up to 55 megawatt hours of electricity per year. This will be used to power the building systems and infrastructure.
“Our VRSE facilities are a testament to the ambitious steps we’re taking toward a greener future,” said Matt Girgis, Managing Director of Volvo Cars Canada “Through a holistic approach, VRSE facilities carefully consider the production, optimization and lifecycle of resources, ensuring both high-quality and responsibly-sourced materials are used.”
He said the “significant” investment in these facilities reflects a shared commitment with retailers to go beyond industry standards in environmental sustainability, “while continuing to deliver exceptional customer experience.”
